Something Tangible

On the Prowl

CHAPTER 22: ON THE PROWL

Steven and Katarina exchanged shy, smitten glances on the ride home. After what transpired between them during their mutual moment of vulnerability, each saw the other in a new light. Like a Russian doll, they had finally begun peeling away the external layers to reveal the figurine behind the façade.

"What do you want to do the rest of the evening?" he asked, clasping her hand tightly as they stepped inside her apartment. He saw the corners of her mouth quirk up in admonishment. "That's not what I meant," he chuckled. Actually it was but I won't push my luck.

"Of course it was, but can we just watch a silly comedy or something? I feel pretty wrung out after our heart to heart."

"Sure, whatever you want. Do you have popcorn?"

"Mr. Six-Pack indulges in popcorn?"

Steven smiled, thrilled to see Katarina's signature sarcasm make an appearance. "I devour a lot of things Ms. Constantine. My appetite can be quite ravenous."

Katarina was pleased to see Steven's Pavlovian smuttiness make an appearance. "Yes I've had a taste of your insatiable appetite Mr. Andrews," she said, enjoying their game of double entendres. "And I'm glad to hear your palate does not discriminate. But no I'm sorry, I can't accommodate you on the popcorn request. Come to think of it, I don't even have butter in the house. Maybe I'm a closet health freak like you!"

"So should I sign you up for a membership to my gym?" he teased, full well knowing the answer.

"Fuck that," she guffawed. "Last time I went to the gym I spent all my time downing fatty smoothies at the bar and passed out like a bloated whale in the sauna."

"An all-female sauna I presume, not a unisex one?" he rushed to clarify.

"Wouldn't you like to know Mr. Andrews? What's wrong with a little steamy coed bonding?"

"Katarina..." He tried to sound threatening but failed miserably.

She stymied a laugh. "Don't worry. Coed saunas and Jacuzzis are just like nude beaches. The only men who go there are old, bald and big — except where it counts."

Steven's head whipped around so fast he actually heard bones creaking.

"Wait, you've been to a nude beach?!?! When the fuck was this?" And you can bet it will be the last time.

"Maybe," she demurred, giving him a coy wink. "If you behave I'll regale you with stories of my misspent youth in all its naked glory. In the meantime, why don't you rustle us up a snack?"

The sweetness of her request tempered the sourness of her revelation. "Fine, but I expect a full recap of your 'Girls Gone Wild' adventures later my dear. In the meantime, I'll go wash us some raspberries."

"OK," she cheered. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable." She saw his ears perk up. "Flannel, not silk Mr. Andrews." Do I even own anything silk? No, that shit makes me sweat.

Katarina emerged from the bedroom in a plain white T-shirt and pajama bottoms dotted with cartoonish lions and monkeys, reinforcing Steven's perception of her intrinsic childlike nature.

"Cute PJs my dear." Not going to prevent me from ripping them off later.

"Thanks," she said, almost bubbly, the earlier tension sloughing off of her. "I have matching jungle-themed socks but I lost them. I swear there's a vortex in the washing machine where socks go to die. Grrrr," she growled, doing her best lioness impression.